Simeone gives Julián Alvarez a fresh chance at Atlético

In the Atlético de Madrid training ground on Friday the 4th, Diego Simeone addressed the lingering saga surrounding Argentine striker Julián Alvarez. The coach confirmed the forward will be named in the squad again, offering him a chance to learn from the recent upheaval.

Simeone adopted a reconstruction discourse, saying the club had spent too much time judging and not enough learning. After weeks of tension about the striker’s future, he reiterated that Alvarez will be listed for the upcoming fixtures. The manager stressed that the player now has an opportunity to grow from what has happened.

“We spend all our time learning and, unfortunately, far too much judging. We all judge; we need to judge less and focus more on learning,” Simeone said. He added that the team must judge less and concentrate on improvement.

Rebuilding the relationship

Agora, Simeone's discourse is different. Tension peaked at the end of August when Alvarez was booed by a section of the crowd and spent a period away from collective training. He trained alone while the club sought to rebuild the relationship with its main striker. Reports indicated Atlético worked intensively to restore trust.

Simeone added that he always looks forward, noting the season is beautiful with many challenges. “We will take it game by game and try to do the best possible,” he affirmed, underscoring his pragmatic approach.

Looking ahead to Bilbao

Alvarez will be listed for the duel against Athletic Bilbao, returning to the coach’s plans. “We want him to be well, content and to score goals,” Simeone reiterated, highlighting the striker’s importance.

Simeone also cited a video from club legend Paulo Futre, who urged Alvarez to regain his joy. “Score goals, as Futre told him yesterday in a beautiful video, and I send him a big hug,” the coach said.

After more than three months of dispute involving Atlético, the player and Barcelona, the solution for now appears to be staying at the Spanish capital. Club chief Miguel Ángel Gil Marín had previously affirmed that Atlético counted on the striker and would not release him to a rival. With the transfer window closed and no proposal altering the club’s stance, Simeone hopes the episode becomes fuel for the season, with Alvarez’s goals weighing heavily in the campaign.